Can I keep chickens in Milford, CT?
Yes, with conditions — Milford allows chickens only in certain zones or lot configurations (up to 5 hens where permitted). Roosters are prohibited, and coops must be at least 5 ft from neighboring lines/homes. (Zoning Regulations § 3.1.3.4 (eff. 12/27/2013), verified June 2026)
The full rules
| Chickens allowed | Conditional (zone / lot rules) |
|---|---|
| Maximum hens | 5 |
| Roosters | Prohibited |
| Permit required | Yes |
| Coop setback | 5 ft |
| Coop rules | Rear yard only. Fenced enclosure max 20% of lot area. Enclosure at least 25 ft from street line, 10 ft from principal residential dwelling on same property, 5 ft from any property line. Building at least 5 ft from any lot line, max 15 ft height. Plot Plan required for administrative approval. |
| Code section | Zoning Regulations § 3.1.3.4 (eff. 12/27/2013) |
Milford allows up to 5 hens (no roosters) in most One Family residential zones with Administrative approval from the Planning and Zoning Office. Larger zones (R-18, R-30, R-A) allow up to 10 hens. Enclosure must be in rear yard. A Plot Plan is required.
Common questions
Can I keep chickens in Milford?
Yes, with conditions — Milford allows chickens only in certain zones or situations (Zoning Regulations § 3.1.3.4 (eff. 12/27/2013)).
How many chickens can I keep in Milford?
Up to 5 hens. 5 hens in R-5, R-7.5, R-10, R-12.5, SFA-10 zones; 10 hens in R-18, R-30, R-A zones; one-family zones only; Administrative approval required. Rules vary by zoning district — check the full summary for your zone.
Do I need a permit to keep chickens in Milford?
Yes — Milford requires a permit or registration before keeping chickens.
Are roosters allowed in Milford?
No — roosters are prohibited in Milford.
How far must a chicken coop be from the property line in Milford?
5 feet minimum. Rear yard only. Fenced enclosure max 20% of lot area. Enclosure at least 25 ft from street line, 10 ft from principal residential dwelling on same property, 5 ft from any property line. Building at least 5 ft from any lot line, max 15 ft height. Plot Plan required for administrative approval.
What law covers backyard chickens in Milford?
Zoning Regulations § 3.1.3.4 (eff. 12/27/2013). Read the official text at the source linked on this page.
The actual law
Zoning Regulations § 3.1.3.4 (eff. 12/27/2013) — read the official code
“Hens shall only be permitted in One Family zoning districts as follows: R-5; R-7.5; R-10; R-12.5, SFA-10: No more than 5 hens. R-18; R-30; R-A: No more than 10 hens. The fenced enclosure shall be at least 25 feet from any street line, at least 10 feet from the principal residential dwelling and at least 5 feet from any property line. No male poultry, castrated or not, shall be kept on any property.” source
Last verified June 15, 2026. Always confirm with your municipality — HOA rules can be stricter than city code. How we verify →
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